A nurse is assessing a newborn following a circumcision. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the newborn is experiencing pain?
A.
Decreased heart rate
B.
Chin quivering
C.
Pinpoint pupils
D.
Slowed respirations
The correct answer is:
B. Chin quivering
Explanation:
- B. Chin quivering: This is a common behavioral sign of pain in newborns. Along with crying, facial expressions such as a quivering chin can indicate discomfort or pain in a newborn.
- A. Decreased heart rate: Pain typically causes an increase in heart rate (tachycardia), not a decrease.
- C. Pinpoint pupils: Pain generally does not cause pinpoint pupils. Instead, pain might cause dilation of pupils (mydriasis).
- D. Slowed respirations: Pain usually causes an increase in respiratory rate (tachypnea) rather than slowed respirations.
Therefore, B. Chin quivering is the correct indicator of pain in the newborn.